Project Summary
The rail industry invests in low adhesion mitigation measures, which however could have a negative impact on the rolling stock’s breaking performance. . Such challenge has an impact on operations and finances. The project led by Huddersfield University aims to create a novel measurement system using on-train data to estimate adhesion in real-time. It will measure actual adhesion levels and low adhesion locations. The method uses fundamental mechanics laws linking wheel acceleration, brake force, and available adhesion. The proposed system will enable better management of low adhesion and mitigate its impact on railway operations and society.
Project Achievements
• Project focused on the development of an end-user product for the improvement of train brake performance and safety • The concept has been initially developed to estimate (in simulation) the adhesion more accurately at each wheelset using data collected during the variable sander trial project (funded by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB)). • Laboratory testing trails took place, a structured test plan was developed which involved using a paper tape to simulate low adhesion. • Testing was carried out using the IRRs HAROLD (Huddersfield Adhesion and Rolling Contact Dynamics) test rig. • Testing has shown that the developed system can provide a reliable estimation of the real-time adhesion conditions when compared to a post processing method. • The solution was first developed using a real-time PC in-line with MATLAB Simulink, following this it has been converted to an embedded system model allowing for the development of fully functional prototype of the end-user product.
Conclusions
• Using the on train available data, the project results demonstrated the ability to estimate adhesion in real-time using the fundamental laws of mechanics. • A prototype of the end-user solution has also been developed that allows the product to be placed in a driver’s cab or on-train equipment cabinet. It has been designed with a simple interface giving drivers a visual indication which provides real-time understanding of the local adhesion conditions. • The prototype also provides outputs which allow detailed real-time adhesion data to be streamed either to the train’s own brake system, allowing it to optimise the braking control for the conditions encountered, or to a central server. • This data has a range of uses from providing adhesion data to other trains, planning, and measuring the effectiveness of railhead treatment and other mitigations and improving and validating low adhesion forecasts.
Next Steps
The next steps for this project are: 1. Work with potential customers/funders to seek funding for a limited trial (one train) 2. Work with approvals bodies to determine the necessary system requirements (e.g., Network Rail, rolling stock designated bodies etc.) 3. Work with market and funders to arrange an in-service trial and develop data aggregation / distribution system. 4. Sign appropriate licensing agreements to allow for the system to go to market (The University will support commercialisation)
